Mount Desert Island YMCA Lifeguard Job Description

Title: Lifeguard

Reports to: Aquatics Director

Starting Pay: $18-$20/hour

Description: Ensure the safety of all swimmers by preventing accidents and responding to emergencies quickly and efficiently.

Qualifications and Requirements

1. Hold a current nationally recognized lifeguard certification.
2. Hold current First Aid and CPR/AED and other certifications (such as Oxygen Administration) appropriate to the Lifeguarding Certification held.

General Responsibilities and Duties

Report to work 15 minutes before scheduled to guard (use this time to set up lane lines, read communication board, check for hazardous conditions, and possibly check chemical levels if trained and assigned. Make a note of problems on the log.

Be “Rescue Ready.”

Have a rescue tube and rescue pack accessible at all times.

Rescue Tube: Shoulder strap on, held across the lap in a chair, held when standing or walking. If you have to put it down, do so for the minimum time necessary. Do not sit on, put feet on, use as a back rest, etc.

Rescue pack: will be worn by the lifeguard on duty. Inspect to ensure it has a rescue mask and gloves that will fit you.

Do not read, do homework, or do other outside work when there are swimmers in the pool.

Do not have or use a cell phone, computer, or other communication devices while on scanning duty.

Scan your area from bottom to top, striving for a 10 X 10 second reaction (scan area in:10 and be able to respond in:10).

Avoid socializing while on duty. Short interactions for member service may be ok, but only if they don’t interfere with 10/10 scanning.

Stay alert to observe signals from other guards when there is more than one guard.

Know and practice the proper emergency procedures and attend staff meetings and trainings.

Follow the facility rules and set a good example on and off duty.

Enforce all facility rules while explaining why and the danger involved.

When enforcing a rule, briefly explain the reason behind the rule as well as the danger the rule infraction presents. Remember that your first responsibility remains protecting the swimmers in the assigned area.

Report detailed inquiries to the aquatic director.

Safeguard the lives of your patrons first, but also ensure their comfort and pleasure. Don’t tolerate recklessness or rough play.

Keep the swimming area clean and free of obstructions at all times.

Know how to use all rescue and first aid equipment, keep it ready, and in good repair.

Practice rescue skills regularly and stay in good swimming shape, but do not swim while on duty.

Secure the area by locking all pool entry doors.

You may have a drink, snacks, or meals, but clean up after yourself.

Do not allow patrons in the filter room or unsupervised in the pool office or equipment room.

Record your hours before leaving the Y daily.

Record the number of swimmers, activity, water/air temperature, indoor humidity, chlorine, and pH readings on the daily pool log.

Record any noteworthy incidents (behavior problems, vomit or fecal matter clean-ups, etc) on the incident report form.

Record any accident (involving injury and first-aid) on the accident report form.

Know and understand the MDI Y emergency action plan

Be professional, alert, courteous, and diplomatic

Wear a bathing suit, and/or shorts, an identifiable T-shirt, a whistle, and carry a rescue mask and gloves in your fanny pack.